Best Test Optional Colleges in South Carolina

Best Colleges

81 results

Clemson University
4 Year
Clemson, SC
3,271 reviews
Senior: I love it here at Clemson, it's like one big family and friendly community. The professors and the courses can be challenging, but we are provided all resources and office hours necessary to help us all succeed, that is what I love about Clemson. Besides the academics, the leisures, amenities, and the get-togethers including football provided on campus, gives us all an opportunity to come together after days and weeks of studying to socialize and meet new people all around campus! Not only is the campus beautifully well-kept, but there are always positive vibes going around with plenty of places to sit down, study, and relax at like the Bowman field, amphitheater, and the President's park. It's hard to believe that this upcoming year is my last year here and I honestly am not ready to leave.
Read 3,271 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
47% Acceptance Rate
$21,482 Net Price
1230-1400 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Furman University
4 Year
Greenville, SC
565 reviews
#1 Best Test Optional Colleges in South Carolina
Sophomore: After wrapping up my first year at Furman, I will say it was amazing. Yes, it was very hard but the professors are dedicated to helping you and actually get to know you personally. The small class sizes help make you discuss more with your professors. Furman has a great reputation for the Greenville/Traveler’s Rest areas which are both growing areas. Furman works with you to get internships and provides many study away programs. If you’re a hardcore party school person, I’ll warn you that Furman is more focused on your education but Downtown Greenville is BOOMING and there’s always something to do. Athletes are fun to attend and the fine arts programs are wonderful.

Oh by the way... The campus is BEAUTIFUL. I love calling this place home.
Read 565 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
61% Acceptance Rate
$35,621 Net Price
1240-1420 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
University of South Carolina
4 Year
Columbia, SC
4,248 reviews
#2 Best Test Optional Colleges in South Carolina
Sophomore: I love it at UofSC! There are a lot of programs to promote fitness so plenty of opportunities to exercise and stay active. Campus is big and pretty, there are a ton of food choices, and there are clubs available for just about any area of interest. The professors are nice, reasonable, accessible and want to actually help you succeed. The school spirit is great too, win or lose at sporting events. Football games are especially fun; large, loud and entertaining. The one thing I would change right now would be the Covid restrictions. They are stringent and therefore there are no student events happening, and intramural sports are quite limited.
Read 4,248 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
63% Acceptance Rate
$21,787 Net Price
1180-1370 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Wofford College
4 Year
Spartanburg, SC
359 reviews
#3 Best Test Optional Colleges in South Carolina
Junior: Wofford has been a wonderful home away from home! I have entered into a community at Wofford that has embraced me and treated me like family. Many of the facutly and staff, students and all other employees will help you out any way they can, support you and encourage you to be your best in and out of the classroom. Wofford has given me so many experiences and opportunities that I doubt I would have found anywhere else. No college will ever be perfect, but Wofford is definitely up there.
Read 359 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
64% Acceptance Rate
$28,033 Net Price
1190-1350 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
4 Year
Charleston, SC
390 reviews
Freshman: The school is definitely challenging, it involves people yelling at you, a lot of physical activity, and extra military aspects that make it a lot different than attending a regular college. However, despite the difficulties that the school puts in front of its students, the overall experience is one that students and their families can be proud of. In the end, it teaches you how to be a strong person in the world. You learn leadership and professional development skills that can definitely be of value in any career field students decide to pursue after graduating.
Read 390 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
81% Acceptance Rate
$17,723 Net Price
1050-1230 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
College of Charleston
4 Year
Charleston, SC
2,148 reviews
#5 Best Test Optional Colleges in South Carolina
Freshman: College of Charleston offers such a wide variety of education and outside of school activities. They are also handling COVID-19 very well. Starting off the semester online, then coming to the college, and then finishing it off back online. The College made sure to keep students connected through events online or events where they could social distance. The classes are smaller than most which creates a much more closer learning experience. I feel connected to the teacher and the class through these smaller classes and never feel like I cannot reach out to the staff. Some students complain about the food here but, I am quite pleased with the variety and quality of food. Every day is something different and something new to try. The students are care-free and alive but also keep their education in mind. The dorms have some problems here or there but, I prefer my dorm over my home sometimes! I live in Mcalister Residence Hall, and I'm so glad I'm rooming there. Overall, great college!
Read 2,148 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
79% Acceptance Rate
$19,764 Net Price
1080-1260 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Presbyterian College
4 Year
Clinton, SC
247 reviews
#6 Best Test Optional Colleges in South Carolina
Works Here: Great small town community. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Most faculty and staff are devoted to their work and are essential in empowering the Promise of PC initiative for students and potential students. It is a small, yet beautiful campus. I hate that they don't offer my major; otherwise, I would consider continuing my education there! The only downside is the price of tuition and fees. I recommend the campus life and feel of the college. The academics here seem to be highly respected and prestigious, and the student life departments appear to be very active in reaching out to students in and outside of the classroom.
Read 247 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
69% Acceptance Rate
$19,778 Net Price
1000-1230 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Winthrop University
4 Year
Rock Hill, SC
1,582 reviews
Senior: I have attended Winthrop throughout my whole college career. To put it simply, Winthrop is absolutely incredible.

1. They cater to those with disabilities VERY well. I was beyond impressed with how they approached my learning disabilities. Beyond astounding and far better than I could have ever imagined. I do not feel ostracized, but more valued as a student.

2. The staff and faculty are VERY caring, intelligent, upbeat, open-minded, and they often go above and beyond for their students. I love my professors at Winthrop. I have been able to form meaningful relationships with the faculty at Winthrop University, which is really incredible.

3. The campus is beautiful and unique. It is a smaller campus, but not too small. It is the perfect size, compared to the extremely large universities that force students to sprint from one class to the next.

Needless to say, I 100% recommend Winthrop University to anyone and everyone looking for a loving community and high quality education!
Read 1,582 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$19,115 Net Price
950-1160 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
University of South Carolina Aiken
4 Year
Aiken, SC
666 reviews
Sophomore: I absolutely love it! The classes are smaller than average so professors can teach more effectively and take time to make sure that students understand the material. The professors, administrators, and staff are very approachable and will do their best to help with any problems you may have
Read 666 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
51% Acceptance Rate
$15,042 Net Price
960-1140 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Southern Wesleyan University
4 Year
Central, SC
245 reviews
Junior: I attended years ago (in the 1980s), and I loved it then. Since then, it has expanded immensely and is 10x better than before! I love the options such as the online program, because if the flexibility with family and work. The student to teacher ratio is excellent, and the professors truly care about the students. The reason I rated the party scene as poor is that drinking is not part of the campus atmosphere. It is a Christian University. That works great for me, and I find that Christians know how to have good, clean fun and the loving support of one another, without the vices common to most college campuses. But it wouldn't be fore everyone. My desire is to get a quality liberal arts education with a worldview that embraces the timeless truths of the Bible, with God as our Creator and sustainer, and to live out my faith in a way that seeks to benefit all people of the world through my vocation.
Read 245 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$17,978 Net Price
950-1150 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Lander University
4 Year
Greenwood, SC
737 reviews
Niche User: Overall the campus and staff is awesome! All of my professors were very kind and helpful, they really want you have make good grades. The university itself is just too small and there is little to no "night life", which is why I am transferring. I do recommend Lander, but you have to be honest with yourself if you are okay with going to a small university in a small area.
Read 737 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
43% Acceptance Rate
$13,009 Net Price
940-1130 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Coastal Carolina University
4 Year
Conway, SC
1,926 reviews
#7 Best Test Optional Colleges in South Carolina
Graduate Student: I spent probably the best years of my life at Coastal. I've always had a hard time with school -- as a kid, my family and I moved around quite a bit. As such, I never had many friends. Coastal was the first place I felt like I really belonged. I'd encourage everyone to befriend their peers and classmates; it'll result in lifelong friendships that'll benefit your personal and professional life, and enhance your academic experience. Let's face it, college isn't always easy!
Read 1,926 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
70% Acceptance Rate
$15,111 Net Price
1010-1170 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
University of South Carolina - Upstate
4 Year
Spartanburg, SC
966 reviews
Junior: I absolutely love the Criminal Justice curriculum offered at USC-Upstate, as well as the professors that teach the material. I have learned so much in my field of study since becoming a Spartan. The material that I have learned thus far will carry me through my lifetime in not only my personal life, but also in the professional arena, as well as out on the streets while dealing with the public.
This particular curriculum taught is vigorous and aggressive. However, for the students who are serious and apply themselves to learning the material presented in each class, their knowledge will be greatly broadened, as they become well-rounded professionals in the careers of their choice.
USC-Upstate is an awesome university! Becoming a Spartan from the application, to financial aid, to registration of classes is easy, because Upstate’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will walk the applicant all the way through the entire process from the beginning until graduation.
Go Spartans!
Read 966 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$15,838 Net Price
920-1110 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Anderson University - South Carolina
4 Year
Anderson, SC
904 reviews
Alum: Choosing Anderson University for my undergraduate studies was an incredible decision. Professors were AMAZING and my experience was family oriented. Sometimes the financial aid office was frustrating to deal with but other than that I LOVED my experience there! I have felt completely prepared to begin my career as a teacher thanks to AU's faculty.
Read 904 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
62% Acceptance Rate
$21,599 Net Price
860-1210 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Converse College
4 Year
Spartanburg, SC
602 reviews
Freshman: What I like about Converse are the student and staff, they push you to do better as a student a person. This year will be co-ed so there will be men's sports. I would like to see a lot of changes in men's sports like locker rooms and bathrooms. The classes are small which means if you are having trouble with a certain class your professor can give you one-on-one to better help you understand the course. I look forward to the basketball season, this will be the first year there will be a men's basketball. Another thing I would like to change is the logo for Converse. Since it's been an all-girls school for over 100 years this will be a history that men's sports will be at Converse. The food at Converse is delicious, you have choices like shrimp to chicken wings. The gym at Converse is one of a kind from the colors of the gym to the weights rooms they have. Coming to Converse was the best experience I ever had and I encourage anybody wanting to come to you will be successful.
Read 602 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
59% Acceptance Rate
$14,849 Net Price
1000-1230 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Charleston Southern University
4 Year
Charleston, SC
782 reviews
Sophomore: Charleston Southern University is a cute little college nestled in Charleston, which gives its students access to just about anything they could want. The campus is beautiful, but small. The facilities are new, and the campus is constantly growing with new buildings and new staff. The students are kind and diverse, which enables everyone to walk among other walks of life. The best parts of the college are the little nooks and crannies, which can be the secret lounges, the shady walks around the reflection pond, and the gorgeous hiking trails. The campus is very safe, despite being so open, and the security staff, administration, and the president, Dondi Costin, are wonderful people and incredibly good-hearted. Great Christian environment, and they are always willing to help you succeed.
Read 782 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
52% Acceptance Rate
$17,866 Net Price
1020-1200 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
2 Year
Orangeburg, SC
97 reviews
Sophomore: My experience at OC Tech so far has been exquisite! Unlike how movies portray college teachers to be, the teachers and staff at OC Tech are the sweetest people you will ever meet! Teachers will do anything they can to make sure you understand the material whether they set up tutoring times or even stay on a particular topic in class until every student understands it. During my time at OC Tech I have had issues which has caused me to be late and also turn in assignments late. But my teachers never once got mad and always did their best to help me out as much as they could. They are very understanding and very helpful. If I could get my degree 100% from here I would but sadly because they are only a 2 year college, I have to transfer. I wish every school was like OC Tech.
Read 97 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$6,438 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
University of South Carolina - Beaufort
4 Year
Bluffton, SC
450 reviews
Sophomore: The University of South Carolina Beaufort Is a really great school for acedemics. The University has one of the best nursing, communications and Hospitality programs. If you play Women's Soccer or Baseball then this will be a great school to play at. The University of South Carolina Beaufort offers other sports besides soccer and baseball like Basketball, volleyball, Softball, and Men's Soccer but they are only club sports which means they're not division based. The University of South Carolina Beaufort is broken up into 3 campuses. The Beaufort Campus located in Beaufort, South Carolina are for Studio Art/Media Majors, The HiltonHead Campus located in Hilton Head, South Carolina are for Hospitality Majors, and the Bluffton Campus which is the main campus located in Bluffton, South Carolina are for every other major the school has to offer. Even though the campuses are divided based on the particular Major you will be allowed to live in or attend any of the 3 campuses.
Read 450 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
63% Acceptance Rate
$16,807 Net Price
930-1100 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Spartanburg Community College
2 Year
Spartanburg, SC
306 reviews
Freshman: My overall experience at Spartanburg Community college was excellent. As a freshman, I was very nervous but SCC made it very simple and great place to start at. The professors and students were all very friendly and helpful. I was a student at two campuses and the environment was very welcoming at both. What I really loved was the diversity. Not only with different races and ethnicities, but with the different age groups. I would definitely recommend SCC! It’s a really great place to start!
Read 306 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$3,965 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Coker University
4 Year
Hartsville, SC
284 reviews
Freshman: Coker University is a great school. There is so much positivity in Hartsville. The professors are awesome.Here at Coker you get to create relationships with all your professors. I love Coker University because it allows for me not to feel like I'm just a number it allows for me to be myself and create my own path. Coker has been around for a long time . The only reason why I didn't give it a five star rating is because, like every other older school it could use some renovations. Other than that it is great and did I forget to mention my dorm room is huge.
Read 284 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
63% Acceptance Rate
$15,037 Net Price
900-1230 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Erskine College
4 Year
Due West, SC
195 reviews
Freshman: I really like Erskine. I came from a smaller high school, so Erskine's small size and tight knit community made the transition from high school to college way easier. The class sizes are very small which makes it easy not only to get to know your classmates but also your teachers really well, who are available pretty much always through office hours and email. The majority of the students are athletes as well, and since I'm an athlete it's nice to have many people you can relate to. There are also students who aren't athletes who enjoy it here too, as there are many on campus activities (foam party, halloween party, etc), and you can even join a literary society. A couple downsides are that we're so far away from the nearest big city, so for some it's easy to get bored. Also, the dining hall isn't the best. It starts out alright but usually goes downhill near the end of the semester. All in all, I love Erskine and think it's a great school.
Read 195 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
58% Acceptance Rate
$35,421 Net Price
930-1120 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Piedmont Technical College
2 Year
Greenwood, SC
177 reviews
Alum: Fantastic faculty and staff! I loved my experiences there, and I wish I could stay there for all four years, but I have to leave and transfer to get my bachelor's degree. The college is both a phenomenally unique institution to start college with a more affordable price! I continuously recommend PTC as a place to complete, to continue, or to begin college studies.
Read 177 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$9,126 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Greenville Technical College
4 Year
Greenville, SC
781 reviews
Sophomore: The college is great; facilities are clean and well-maintained. Most teachers care for their students and are able to both challenge them and prepare them for the future, although some teachers, like in any college, are 'difficult.' Many tutoring and help services exist, as well as the clean and organized McAlister Square, a building with a bookstore (for college textbooks), tuition and fee payment center, university transfer offices, testing rooms, and financial aid counseling services.
Read 781 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$6,992 Net Price
— SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Limestone University
4 Year
Gaffney, SC
308 reviews
Sophomore: Location is what keeps my rating from being 5 stars. There is nothing in Gaffney, SC! However, you will get a great education because Limestone, itself, is a fine institution. There is a lot to offer in terms of majors, including 8 majors with an entry-level Masters program. Eighty percent of the day campus students are recruited athletes from all over the world. Working adults have the option for evening classes or online degrees. Other selling features are free tutoring and a global experience option that includes a free trip abroad.
Read 308 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
44% Acceptance Rate
$23,023 Net Price
970-1160 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Columbia College - South Carolina
4 Year
Columbia, SC
473 reviews
Senior: I have enjoyed my time at Columbia College for a number of reasons. Firstly, Columbia College is a small institution that allows a close knit community to develop. The college allows students to develop a close relationship with Professors, staff members, and other students. These relationships have been extremely beneficial in my academic development.
Secondly, Columbia College also offers students the ability to develop academically and professionally. The on-campus tutoring and professional development centres ensure that students are able to receive the help that they need at no extra cost.
Finally, Columbia College provides a welcoming and warm community that strives to accommodate all students. The institution has a diverse population of students that are able to aid one another in understanding and adapting to the cultures around them.
Read 473 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
96% Acceptance Rate
$18,359 Net Price
950-1120 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Sponsored
University of South Carolina - Upstate
4 Year
Spartanburg, SC
966 reviews
Junior: I absolutely love the Criminal Justice curriculum offered at USC-Upstate, as well as the professors that teach the material. I have learned so much in my field of study since becoming a Spartan. The material that I have learned thus far will carry me through my lifetime in not only my personal life, but also in the professional arena, as well as out on the streets while dealing with the public.
This particular curriculum taught is vigorous and aggressive. However, for the students who are serious and apply themselves to learning the material presented in each class, their knowledge will be greatly broadened, as they become well-rounded professionals in the careers of their choice.
USC-Upstate is an awesome university! Becoming a Spartan from the application, to financial aid, to registration of classes is easy, because Upstate’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will walk the applicant all the way through the entire process from the beginning until graduation.
Go Spartans!
Read 966 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$15,838 Net Price
920-1110 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Find College Scholarships
- SponsoredFind Student Loan Options
- 4 Ways to Pay for College
- 2021 Best Community Colleges
Sponsored
Randolph-Macon College
4 Year
Ashland, VA
489 reviews
Junior: Randolph-Macon college is an amazing school to attend if you like a small setting with a loving community foundation. You're not just a number, rather you are a friend, a classmate, a student, and most importantly, family. The campus is beautiful and everyone within truly cares about your success. Lots of outlets for academic and social advancement!
Read 489 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$27,429 Net Price
1050-1240 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Sponsored
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) - Myrtle Beach, SC
2 Year
Myrtle Beach, SC
Will You Get In?Compare

2021 Best Test Optional Colleges in South CarolinaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Clemson University

Furman University

University of South Carolina

Wofford College

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

College of Charleston

Presbyterian College

Winthrop University

University of South Carolina Aiken

Southern Wesleyan University

Lander University

Coastal Carolina University

University of South Carolina - Upstate

Anderson University - South Carolina

Converse College

Charleston Southern University

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

University of South Carolina - Beaufort

Spartanburg Community College

Coker University

Erskine College

Piedmont Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Limestone University

Columbia College - South Carolina

University of South Carolina - Upstate

Randolph-Macon College

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) - Myrtle Beach, SC